The explosion of a NiSource 20-inch transmission line destroyed five homes and severely damaged others in Kanawha County, about 15 miles north of state capital Charleston. The pipeline has been shut off, allowing emergency crews to approach the scene for further investigation.

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By BEN LEFEBVRE

A natural-gas pipeline exploded near Charleston, W.Va,
injuring two people and destroying several homes, a
county government official said Tuesday.

The explosion of a NiSource 20-inch transmission line
destroyed five homes and severely damaged others in Kanawha
County, about 15 miles north of state capital Charleston, said
County Manager Jennifer Sayer.

The pipeline has been shut off, allowing emergency crews to
approach the scene for further investigation, Ms. Sayer
said.

Two people suffered minor injuries, with one suffering from
smoke inhalation, Ms. Sayre said.

The explosion occurred after noon, shooting flames into the
air. The fire eventually spread to Highway 77 in Sissonville,
Kanahwa County commissioner Kent Carper told local radio
WCHS.

NiSource employees were working with emergency officials to
assess damages, company spokesman Mike Banas said. Natural-gas
customers would not be affected by the accident, Mr. Banas
added.

In 2010, a natural-gas pipeline operated by Pacific Gas
& Electric exploded in the San Francisco suburb of San
Bruno, killing eight people.

Dow Jones Newswires

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May I reference this article in a business meeting in Belgrade, Maine tomorrow?

OSVALDO CORONA12.18.2012

Thank you for the report.I woul like to know and read the oficial's report concerning the investigaton on the causes of the event, analisys of failures if any ,and subsequent measures to avoid repetirion.